What Should I Expect When Starting Acne Treatment?

Key Information

Acne treatment can work well, but it usually takes time. In the first few weeks, you may see little improvement and your skin may feel dry, irritated or more sensitive.

It is usually best to assess whether treatment is working after a proper trial, often around 12 weeks.

Use your treatment exactly as advised. Using more, or applying it more often, will not usually clear acne faster and can make irritation worse.

Please contact the practice if side effects are difficult, your acne is getting significantly worse, or acne is causing painful deep spots, scars or an impact on your mood or daily life.

How Long Does Acne Treatment Take to Work?

In the first few weeks, your skin may feel dry, irritated or more sensitive and you may not see much improvement yet. This can be normal.

It is usually best to judge whether treatment is working after a proper trial, often around 12 weeks. You do not need to wait that long if side effects are difficult, you are worried or your acne is becoming significantly worse.

How Should I Use My Treatment?

Use your treatment in the way you have been told. Using more than advised, or applying it more often than recommended, will not usually clear acne faster and can make your skin more irritated.

Try not to stop and restart treatment repeatedly without advice, as this can make it harder to know whether the treatment is working.

What Side Effects Can Happen at First?

Some mild dryness, peeling or stinging can happen when you first start treatment. This does not always mean you need to stop.

While your skin is adjusting, keep everything else simple. Use a gentle cleanser, avoid scrubs or extra acne products unless advised, and choose products that are less likely to block pores.

When Should I Contact the Practice?

Please contact us at the link below if your skin becomes very painful, very red, swollen, blistered or cracked, if you feel unable to continue, if you are unsure how to use the treatment, or if your acne is becoming significantly worse.

Please also contact us if you develop painful deep spots, large lumps under the skin, marks or scars that are not settling, or if acne is affecting your mood, confidence, school, work or social life.